The corridors, classrooms and fields of Laerskool Die President, in Fishers’ Hill, were left eerily quiet after a break-in and theft at the school.
The children and teachers were sent home, last Monday, for a week as thieves made off with copper piping, taps and flushmasters, last Sunday night.
“Last Sunday evening at around 7pm an unknown number of suspects entered the school premises, kicked down bathroom doors and virtually destroyed the bathrooms while they were removing copper piping, taps and flushmasters,” explained a somber Sybrand van Dyk, principal of Laerskool Die President.
“The damages are estimated at R60 000, which the school just doesn’t have.”
ALSO READ: Hijacked vehicle traced to Katlehong
A case of business robbery was opened with the Primrose police, who confirmed they have begun their investigation but have not made any arrests to date.
“We are all, the children included, shocked and we feel devastated because we take pride in and love our school,” said van Dyk sadly.
“We strive to create a safe haven for all our children, a place they enjoy coming to and for many, this bubble has been popped.
“Popped by people who have no interest in academic performance, they did it purely for their personal gain.”
Though an urgent message was sent out to parents asking them to please keep their children at home, many still had to be turned away at the gates last Monday morning.
ALSO READ: Dangerous weapons confiscated from local tavern
“Due to health and safety concerns we cannot have the children here until we have bathrooms available for them to use,” said van Dyk.
The school contacted the Gauteng Department of Education’s district office soon after the incident informing them that they had been forced to close the school.
“Contractors from the department visited the school and an order was signed stating that the repairs will be done.
“The department is treating the repairs as urgent,” van Dyk explained.
The plan going forward was that contractors would perform emergency repairs so that the school can welcome back its children as soon as possible, thereafter more long-term repairs would be done.
On Friday repairs had still not been done and the school remained closed.
“If the contractors do not arrive we will have to make a plan as a school to do the emergency repairs.
“Our plan is to reopen on Monday,” said van Dyk.
“The academic implications of keeping the children away is a great concern.
“If you think that the children have an hour of maths each day they have already missed out on five hours of maths, which will need to be caught up and that is a lot of work.”
In addition to the academic concerns, the 102 children catered for by the school’s feeding scheme have missed out on five days.
“What about them when school is closed?” asked van Dyk.
Van Dyk appealed to the community and businesses to help the school get back on their feet by donating.
All donations, big or small, are welcome.
If you would like more information on how you can get involved call van Dyk at the school on 010 597 4154 or donate directly to the school’s bank account.
Banking details:
Absa Primrose
Account Number: 250650035
Branch Code: 334542
Reference: Emergency repair fund
The school will also be hosting a fund-raiser at the school, located in Astronomy Road, Fishers’ Hill, on Saturday May 5.
The fun-filled day will include various food stands, jumping castles, singers and a sokkie in the evening.
Gates will open at 10am with the festivities continuing until 4pm.
To get involved or for more information about the event call Henddrina Cilliers on 073 435 1430 or send an email to hendrina@barsan.co.za or alternatively call Charlene Stewart on 063 157 5014 or send an email to charlene@barsan.co.za
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.zaor Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
